The Los Angeles Lakers opened their season with plenty of scoring from their new core. Austin Reaves’ explanation for what makes the group effective started with something that does not require the ball.

“Just being competitive, every single possession. This is a group that's got high-character guys that wanna compete every possession,” Reaves said.

That approach helped the Lakers begin the season with a 127-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. Reaves added 23 points and six assists, alongside Luka Dončić and Walker Kessler, as L.A. built a 35-point lead in the fourth quarter.

The three combined for 77 points, offering an encouraging introduction to a partnership the Lakers will lean on throughout the season.

For Reaves, the foundation goes beyond how much that trio can score.

Reaves’ emphasis on every possession sets a clear expectation for a roster still developing its chemistry.

The Lakers have the offensive talent to create productive stretches. Sustaining their effort through missed shots, defensive mistakes and difficult matchups will help determine how reliably they can turn those stretches into victories.

Opening night provided a positive first example, particularly after Stephen Curry scored 16 of Golden State’s first 21 points.

The Lakers had to withstand that early production before creating separation. Dončić, Reaves and Kessler supplied 27 of L.A.’s 34 first-quarter points, helping the team establish its offense while Golden State’s leading scorer found an immediate rhythm.

Their ability to keep producing gave the Lakers room to take control as the game progressed.

Reaves’ description also places value on the players surrounding the primary scorers. Competing consistently requires contributions across the rotation, including possessions when a player’s assignment creates an opportunity for someone else.

For a team integrating new personnel, that shared expectation can help establish roles while the basketball connections continue developing.

Coach JJ Redick offered a similar assessment of Jake LaRavia’s impact following the victory.

“He's a winning player,” Redick said.

Redick praised LaRavia for being himself and described his confident catch-and-shoot production as an added bonus. He also highlighted the value of contributions that do not necessarily appear in a box score or become social media highlights.

That assessment fits with the qualities Reaves emphasized.

The Lakers need players who remain involved when an offensive possession runs through Dončić, Reaves or Kessler. Screening, cutting and making timely decisions can help those actions develop into better opportunities.

Kessler’s debut showed the benefit of that connection. He finished with 26 points and nine rebounds, repeatedly making himself available for teammates around the basket.

Reaves helped create those opportunities while maintaining his own scoring production.

One victory offers an encouraging start, with consistency becoming the next measure for the group. The Lakers will face opponents that challenge their execution and make it harder to sustain their preferred pace.

Reaves has already identified the expectation that should carry through those nights: compete on every possession.